What should we know about the production process of canola oil and organic canola oil?

The Production Process of Canola Oil and Organic Canola Oil

1. Canola Plant Cultivation

Canola oil production begins with the cultivation of canola plants. These are typically grown in regions with cool climates, such as Canada, Europe, and northern parts of the United States. Superior quality seeds are selected and sowed in well-prepared soil to ensure higher yield and quality oil (Canola Council, 2022).

2. Harvesting and Cleaning

Once the canola plants have matured and their seeds have developed, they are harvested. The seeds are then cleaned to remove dust, chaff, and other impurities (Canola Council, 2022).

3. Oil Extraction

The clean canola seeds are crushed to extract the oil. This process may involve mechanical pressing or solvent extraction. In the solvent extraction method, a solvent is used to dissolve the oil, which is then separated from the crushed seeds (Canola Council, 2022).

4. Oil Refining

The extracted oil is still crude and contains impurities, such as gums and waxes. It undergoes a refining process to remove these impurities and enhance its quality. The refining process involves several stages, including degumming, neutralization, decolorization, and deodorization (Canola Council, 2022).

The Production Process of Organic Canola Oil

Organic Canola Cultivation

The production process for organic canola oil is similar to that of regular canola oil, with a few key differences. Notably, organic canola is grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and genetically modified organisms. The seeds and soil must meet specific organic standards set by certifying organizations (Canadian Organic Growers, 2022).

Organic Oil Extraction and Refining

The oil extraction process for organic canola oil generally uses mechanical pressing, as the use of chemical solvents is often not permitted under organic standards. Similarly, the refining process is performed in a way that upholds organic integrity, using only substances and methods allowed in organic production (Canadian Organic Growers, 2022).